X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.

Understanding X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View

What is X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View?

An X-ray of the arm is a safe and painless method to visualise the arm using small amount of radiation. The area of the arm includes the shoulder joint, bone of the upper arm (humerus), elbow, bones of the forearm (radius and ulna), the wrist and the soft tissues (skin and muscles) surrounding it. It is recommended in case of symptoms such as pain, tenderness or swelling in arm. This method is used to detect any fractures, infection, abnormal growth and dislocation of the joints in the arm. It can also be used as a guide for a surgery as well as a method to monitor the healing process post surgery.

This imaging technique can diagnose tumors, osteoporosis, deformities of bones and cysts.

For AP(antero- posterior) and LAT (lateral) views X-ray beam is placed in front and sideways to the patient respectively.

Pregnant women should inform the physician about their condition as the radiations might affect the fetus.

What is X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View used for?

To diagnose any fracture of the bones of the arm (area from the shoulder to the wrist) and to monitor the healing of the broken bone, after it has been set.
To detect any infection, osteoporosis, deformities or abnormal growth of the bones.
To diagnose any suspected arthritis or dislocation of the joints of the arm.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Left Arm AP & LAT View

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.